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Conceptualization of a new technology: exploring the terrace heater

Panel: 8. Dynamics of consumption 

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Nina Heidenström, National Institute for Consumer Research (SIFO), Norway
Pål Strandbakken, Statens Institutt for Forbruksforskning (SIFO), Norway
Harald Throne-Holst, Statens Institutt for Forbruksforskning (SIFO), Norway

Abstract

The installation of terrace heaters is a potential driver for increased energy use in both public and private spaces. The retailers’ main selling point is the extension of the rather short summer season in Norway and thus the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors even longer. Furthermore, terrace heaters are neither very expensive to buy nor to run, and they have been easily available over the last few years. But terrace heaters are also used for more comfortable outdoor smoking.

From 2003, a new Tobacco Smoking Act was enforced in Norway. This act states that smoking is not permitted in premises like restaurants or bars, and in means of transport where the public have access. We want to further examine a change of behaviour and norms related to smoking, and the increased popularity of a new and energy consuming technology as a consequence of this act. The perspective on ecological issues in general, and more specifically on energy use, is that today’s level of consumption results from a vast number of small and seemingly insignificant decisions and actions.

Based on this, the main argument is that the use of terrace heaters has increased as an unintended consequence of the changes in the norms this act has contributed to. In addition to a changed smoking behaviour in public spaces, statistics also indicate a decrease in indoor smoking at home. This might open up a market for terrace heaters as a useful device for private consumers as well.

By using a methodological triangulation consisting of a national consumer survey, focus group interviews and a qualitative limited case study of terrace heaters in restaurants and households, we can collect data both regarding the number of terrace heaters and how they are used, to determine their significance as both an energy consuming and problem solving technology. The results of these studies are not yet at hand, but will be worked into the paper subsequently.

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